TWO Edinburgh entrepreneurs have set up their dream local boozer…because they were fed up with the bars in their neighbourhood.

The Melville – in Edinburgh’s West End – had been a staple watering hole for the capital’s professionals since the 1980s.

But in recent years it had fallen into decline and closed down.

Now, thanks to a £250,000 makeover, Malcolm Gray and Jon Eastwood have transformed the William Street property into the “perfect” pub.

Malcolm said: “When I first moved to Edinburgh 30 years ago, there were plenty of pubs and bars that gave you everything you wanted.

“However, over recent years the number of pubs in which I would choose to spend my evenings or weekends has decreased dramatically, and as for a good Sunday lunch establishment, there are none left.

“When The Melville went into receivership, my business partner and friend Jon and I realised this was our opportunity to create our very own local, just as we wanted it, somewhere that offered something for everyone.”

The Melville’s gastro food menu has been created by Michael Mathieson, the head chef of The Atholl and former protégée of legendary French restaurateur Albert Roux, and is made up of primarily locally sourced produce.

Nick Lewis, a local and regular at the Melville, said: “The Melville has had its spirit restored – it’s once again a lively, comfortable place to meet friends, eat and socialise.”